Author: Heavenhill Admin

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Heaven Hill names Matt Blevins Chief Marketing Officer

Blevins brings 20+ years of global industry experience and leadership

Heaven Hill today announced the appointment of Matt Blevins as Chief Marketing Officer. Effective October 24, Blevins will assume the role previously held by now Co-President Kate Latts. A 20-year global spirits industry leader, Blevins’ demonstrated expertise in business growth, brand marketing, and team development will continue to elevate Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plan and diverse, award-winning portfolio of brands.

Blevins is a proven marketing leader in the industry, guiding global, historic brands to achieve distinct positioning, creative innovation, and long-term value growth. With almost 20 years on the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey portfolio, Blevins’ experience growing an inspiring portfolio of brands includes leading the brand as it became the most valuable global spirits trademark in 2021. With a people-first leadership style, Blevins delivers both demonstrated business results and thoughtful team development.

“Matt’s passion and dedication to his teams, as well as his brands, is evident throughout his successful career. He leads by example and grows teams who deliver consistent results,” said Kate Latts, Heaven Hill Co-President. “We are excited to continue to build our strong, innovative leadership team by adding Matt’s unique skill set to further our accelerated growth. I’m excited to work collaboratively with Matt to continue the enduring legacy of our brands.”

Before joining Brown-Forman in 2005, Blevins held business analyst roles across numerous retail and consumer package goods brands. After serving in senior roles across the Jack Daniel’s brand, Blevins most recently served as Vice President, Global Brand Director Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. He oversaw many aspects of global brand marketing from positioning, packaging, pricing, and promotion. By leading external agencies and a significant global community of marketers, Blevins created impact and influence across key areas to drive long-term success.

“I could not be more excited to join Heaven Hill at this important phase in the company’s growth journey. Heaven Hill’s portfolio of brands offers a wide range of consumer connections across beverage alcohol occasions with authentic stories, quality products, and family ownership that is invested in the long term,” said Blevins. “The Heaven Hill team is clearly passionate about their business and brands, and I look forward to partnering with them on all the exciting initiatives in the near and long term.”

Blevins resides in Louisville, Ky. with his wife Catherine and two children. He has a B.S. in Economics from Centre College where he was a Division III athlete on their basketball team and now serves on the President’s Alumni Council. Blevins also has a Masters of Applied Economics from University of Cincinnati. Blevins is passionate about many nonprofit causes in the community including Fund for the Arts, Urban League, and Kentucky Cancer Link.

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Enter the #HPNOVERSE with Hpnotiq and hip-hop artist Guapdad 4000

A free NFT plus access to rare digital art and live concert tickets is just one click away

Hpnotiq Liqueur, the storied spirits brand known for its electric blue hue, is partnering with hip-hop artist Guapdad 4000 to give consumers exclusive access into the #HPNOVERSE – an Augmented Reality destination with unique digital NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and real-life prizes. In addition to the #HPNOVERSE virtual reality, consumers will also be invited to join an “IRL” scavenger hunt to unlock a one-of-a-kind experience at physical locations in their market using QR codes. From a larger-than-life Hpnotiq Skyscraper to an incredible Hpnotiq & Cognac, consumers will be able to collect these digital assets across Atlanta and New York City.

Grammy nominated, Platinum recording artist, Guapdad 4000 AKA Guap (born Akeen Hayes) is best known for his signature durags and memorable verses which flow as smoothly as Hpnotiq over the sickest beats. His work with artists like Snoop Dogg, Chance the Rapper and Wiz Khalifa helped bring his West Oakland sound to the mainstream. The brand continues to pay homage to its hip-hop roots by leveraging Guapdad’s talent, creativity and versatility, marking him as one of the most promising budding stars of the music industry.

“Whether you’re a crypto wizard or you just learned about NFTs today, Hpnotiq has created an experience that can be enjoyed by all,” said Brittany Wenig, Hpnotiq Brand Manager. “Ever-present on Twitter and Instagram, Guap’s move to the #HPNOVERSE gives his fans and fans of Hpnotiq unprecedented access to the world of crpyto and NFTs.”

The portal key into the #HPNOVERSE is the Augmented Reality camera app featuring a variety of experiences. Try the HQ Skyscraper outside or call on Guapdad 4000 to dance in the living room — just be sure to share it all on social using #HPNOVERSE so Hpnotiq can re-share posts. For more information about Hpnotiq and the #HPNOVERSE, visit Hpnotiq.com and http://hpnoverse.io/, and follow along on social at @Hpnotiq on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

By simply submitting their email into the #HPNOVERSE, consumers will automatically receive a free digital NFT (non-fungible token) plus be entered to win prizes like rare digital artwork and live concert tickets via the #HPNOVERSE Sweepstakes available at HPNOVERSE.IO (must be 21+ to enter).

The “Incredible Hulk” – Hpnotiq & Cognac

  • 2 oz Hpnotiq
  • 2 oz Cognac

Lay over ice and stir for color transformation.

The Silver Bullet Shot

  • 1 oz Hpnotiq
  • 2 oz Premium Blanco Tequila

Chill ingredients and layer in a shot glass.

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Black Velvet Whisky Announces Launch of Black Velvet Peach

Black Velvet, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky, announced today the launch of Black Velvet Peach to its portfolio of flavored whiskies. The new flavor will be available this August in stores across the country.

Black Velvet Peach blends the fresh and sweet taste of peaches with smooth Black Velvet whisky. The rich, amber-colored whisky promises to be a keen pick for peach lovers and whisky fans alike. As the fastest growing flavor for brown spirits, Peach is a natural addition to already popular flavor expansions, Black Velvet Apple and Toasted Caramel.

“Whether you’re tasting Black Velvet for the first time, or you’re a loyal fan of the brand, we feel confident Peach will be a hit with consumers,” said Molly Vincent, Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to continue to expand upon our flavor offerings —and with one of our hottest summers coming to a close, we feel this refreshing addition couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Since tapping their first barrel in 1951, the Black Velvet team has earned its reputation for crafting first-in-class whisky. Headquartered in Lethbridge, Canada, the company credits crystal clear Canadian water and the freshest grains for their whisky’s iconic smooth taste. Black Velvet is now available in 55 countries, and the brand continues to expand the with strategic brand extensions to appeal to a growing audience. Black Velvet was awarded Whisky Value of the Year for the Export Market at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Black Velvet Peach will be supported by point-of-sale displays and tastings in some retail locations. Bottled at 70 proof, the product will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml, and 175 ml sizes with an SRP of $10.99 for the 750ml.

Serve on the rocks, as a chilled shot, or with your favorite mixer. For a twist, try one of these recipes:

Peach Lemonade Smash:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach

3 oz Lemonade

Top with soda (optional)

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lemon or peach.

Canadian Peach Tea

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach

6 oz Iced Tea

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with mint if desired.

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Heaven Hill National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist Lynn House named “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” at the 2022 Spirited Awards Ceremony in New Orleans

Yesterday, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation recognized Heaven Hill’s Lynn House as the “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” at the 16th Annual Spirited Awards in New Orleans. Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards is one of the industry’s most outstanding awards events, recognizing premier beverage professionals, products, establishments, journalists and media across the multi-faceted spirits and cocktail community.

“I love being a part of the Heaven Hill Brands family where I have the unique pleasure of being my authentic self,” said Lynn. “In my role, I have been able to collaborate with individuals and groups around the country. This job has also given me a platform to promote visibility, inclusion and create opportunities for the generations to come.”

The Spirited Awards are composed of both U.S. and international industry accolades, media awards, and a few highly esteemed awards that are accessed in a global scale, transcending regionality. The “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” honor is awarded to an individual whose creative use of brand communication and exceptional personality has had a prominent impact on the promotion of drink brands through engaging the trade and executing compelling educational seminars. Recipients of this award are assessed on their trade engagement, quality of education and seminars, creativity in brand communication and their title as a Brand Ambassador in the field with a focus on education for the trade. Learn more about the 2022 Spirited Awards winners here.

Lynn House is Heaven Hill’s National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist. She is responsible for support of the entire Heaven Hill Portfolio with emphasis on on-premise focused brands. Specifically, she implements brand and spirit category education, cocktail development for both national and local programming and identifies current and upcoming cocktail trends. Lynn is a resource and mentor to external distributors and trade personnel as well as internal field sales and brand teams, working on programs like Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week.

Previously at Heaven Hill, Lynn has served as the PAMA Liqueur Brand Ambassador and the National Brand Educator, covering all Heaven Hill Liqueur brands. She was a finalist for “Best American Bar Mentor” in the 2020 Spirited Awards. In 2017 and 2018, she was recognized as a finalist in the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Best American Brand Ambassador category. Additionally, Lynn is an inaugural inductee to the Dame Hall of Fame and has been featured in many industry publications. Her knowledge of Heaven Hill’s large and diverse portfolio of brands and her dedication to education of various spirits has led Lynn to great success in this field. She is creative, diligent and serves as a strong resource and mentor to all who she works with.

IMAGES: Download images here.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Newcomb

Heaven Hill Brands

lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands Elevates Third Generation of Family Leadership; CMO Kate Latts and COO Allan Latts Named Co-Presidents

Longstanding President Max Shapira to Serve as Executive Chairman

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits supplier, celebrates the succession of its third generation of family leadership with the appointment of Kate Latts and Allan Latts as co-Presidents, effective September 1. Current President Max L. Shapira will be assuming the new role of Executive Chairman.

Since joining the company in 2001, Kate and Allan have been transformational leaders driving Heaven Hill’s accelerated growth. In their new roles as co-presidents, they will continue to pursue Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plans and corporate vision working collaboratively on all key decisions. Max will transition day to day operational oversight of the business to Kate and Allan.

“Over the past twenty years, I have been proud to watch Kate and Allan grow and develop into roles of leadership and increased responsibility,” said Max L. Shapira. “They have added immeasurably to the company’s successes and built a foundation for future generations. They bring the passion for this business that has been a hallmark of our company for 85 plus years. I am highly confident the best is yet to come.”

Max joined the family enterprise in 1970 after a stint on Wall Street. He had the opportunity to work alongside his father Ed Shapira, ultimately succeeding him in leadership of the company in 1986. Under Max’s leadership, Heaven Hill developed into a global company with an award-winning portfolio of brands across a broad range of product categories and is now one of the industry’s largest and most successful companies. In his new role of Executive Chairman, he will provide partnership and counsel on the strategic direction of the business as well as actively leverage his extensive relationships and industry experience in support of the company’s long-term growth goals.

Kate Latts, Max’s daughter, and her husband, Allan Latts, joined Heaven Hill in 2001. After completing their undergraduate and MBA degrees at Duke University, Kate and Allan then joined Procter & Gamble with careers in marketing and finance, respectively. Today, Kate leads the company’s marketing and brand management functions as Chief Marketing Officer.  Allan serves as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations, the company’s corporate functions, strategy and the newly acquired Samson & Surrey division.

“Allan and I are proud to assume the leadership of Heaven Hill with full knowledge of our generational responsibility. My dad, grandfather and his brothers built a company with an enduring legacy of family and independence that is increasingly unique in distilled spirits,” said Kate Latts. “With the support of our incredible team, we are as committed as ever to preserving those qualities and ensuring our success for generations to come.”

Heaven Hill will immediately begin its search to identify a new Chief Marketing Officer, while the Chief Operating Officer position will not be backfilled.

About Heaven Hill Brands 

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.  

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.” 

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Media Contact:
Lauren Newcomb
Heaven Hill
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

Images: Download here.

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PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur Launches PAMA Seltzer

PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur announced today the launch of PAMA Seltzer, the latest ready-to-drink offering in the award-winning Heaven Hill Brands portfolio. Like the liqueur, PAMA Seltzer is made with real fruit juice and a vodka base with a touch of tequila. Available in three flavors, PAMA Seltzer offers a light and crisp taste of pomegranate in the RTD space.

PAMA continues to stay right on trend, first launching during the height of the pomegranate superfruit craze in 2005, and now capitalizing on the growing flavor trend with pomegranate flavored spirits up more than 61%. Now consumers can enjoy the flavor of the versatile liqueur in a convenient, premium offering at 4.5% ABV and 120 calories. PAMA Seltzer is available in 12 oz. slim cans in a four-pack pomegranate flavor offering with an SRP of $12.99 and a six-pack variety flavor offering with an SRP of $16.99. The six pack will feature two cans each of pomegranate, blueberry pomegranate and mandarin orange pomegranate.

“Much like it’s initial launch, PAMA again delivers on premium innovation by filling a niche in the RTD space with a real pomegranate fruit juice offering in PAMA Seltzer,” said Molly Vincent, Brand Manager. “The unique vodka and tequila-based seltzer is a convenient way for consumers to enjoy the refreshing taste of PAMA at any occasion.”

First launching in Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin and Massachusetts, PAMA Seltzer will be supported by digital and influencer marketing, complemented by robust point-of-sale materials.

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Contact:
Lauren Newcomb
Heaven Hill Brands
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

Images: Download here.

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A Bourbon Capital Homecoming: Heaven Hill Springs Distillery underway in Bardstown; name honors distillery lost in 1996 fire

Family-owned spirits company expanding production with $135 million state of the art distillery

The Bourbon industry marked a special homecoming today as Heaven Hill broke ground on a $135 million distillery in Bardstown – with a name paying tribute to the family-owned company’s original distillery that burned in a devastating fire in 1996.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined Heaven Hill President Max Shapira and Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll to commemorate the start of construction and reveal the new distillery’s name: Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

“We’re honored to celebrate this homecoming with a return to distilling in Bardstown to augment our overall bourbon-making capacity, as well as continue to make an impact in the Bardstown community,” Shapira said. “I’m proud to salute our history and the many Bardstown men and women who helped build our brands over the years by naming our new facility in honor of the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery that my father and uncles founded in this community nine decades ago.”

The new, state-of-the-art Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is being built in the heart of the “Bourbon Capital of the World” at 1015 Old Bloomfield Pike, off KY 245, and is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 150,000 barrels a year, and over time will have capacity to ramp up to producing 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s distilling that occurs at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will continue to operate at full capacity of 450,000 barrels annually.

As part of Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the new distillery has been designed to create a more environmentally conscious distilled spirits industry and ensure a thriving environment for generations to come. Heaven Hill Springs Distillery has been engineered to minimize water use to below industry benchmarks and reuse certain water streams. The site will use native plants and natural systems to manage stormwater runoff and improve habitat on the property. The distillery will include a wastewater pretreatment system to ensure discharged water exceeds environmental standards and greatly reduces the load on the city’s treatment plant. Heaven Hill also will plan to utilize energy creation and recovery, lessening the distillery’s demand on the city’s electrical grid.

The new distillery adds at minimum 38 jobs to the company’s 381 people already working in Bardstown at Heaven Hill’s Loretto Road bottling, aging and tourism facilities.

“This is a significant day for Heaven Hill and Kentucky. The return of distilling operations to Nelson County is a return to the company’s roots, and the investment highlights the continued growth of bourbon and spirits in the commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I am incredibly happy for the residents of Bardstown and the surrounding area, and I want to thank the leaders at Heaven Hill for this commitment to create new job opportunities and build the company’s presence in our state.”

Heaven Hill and Bardstown: ‘a shared and storied history’

Max Shapira’s father and four uncles, along with a group of Bardstown-area investors, founded “Old Heaven Hill Springs” distillery in 1935, and filled its first barrel on December 13 of that year.

The company grew over the years and added several acclaimed brands, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna and more, which have earned numerous spirits-industry accolades. Master distillers of the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery over the years included Joe Beam, Harry Beam, Earl Beam, Parker Beam and Craig Beam.

In 1996, a fire resulted in the loss of the distillery, seven rickhouses and almost 100,000 barrels of whiskey. After the fire, Heaven Hill moved distilling to the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. However the bottling and aging of whiskey along with other functions proudly continued in the Bardstown area where they remain today. In addition, in 2004, the company dedicated the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center—most recently expanded and renamed to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience—that has become an award-winning focal point for the region’s bourbon tourism and has greeted millions of visitors over the years.

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Media Contact:
Lauren Newcomb
Heaven Hill
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

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Evan Williams Bourbon announces 2022 class of American-Made Heroes to be featured on limited-edition bottles nationwide

Evan Williams American Hero bottles feature one of six veterans selected for their acts of service

A select group of veterans are the new Evan Williams American-Made Heroes, recognized as those who are making a difference in their communities and across our country.

Evan Williams Bourbon announced today the 2022 class of veterans selected as American-Made Heroes to be featured on the limited-edition Evan Williams American Hero bottles. Each of the six veterans are affiliated with organizations that were recipients of the 2021 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.

First established in 2020, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund continues the brand’s support of veteran communities since launching the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 48 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and has donated $450,000 to nonprofits supporting the veteran community across the country.

“As an American-made and American-owned Bourbon, we are proud to celebrate the heroic stories of military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad,” Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Senior Brand Manager said. “The purpose of the foundation is not only to provide a platform for sharing their inspiring stories, but also raising public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community and supporting nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families.”

The 2022 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

Chris Reder

Warner, S.D., 

Petty Officer, U.S. Navy

Chris joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from the U.S. Military Intelligence School, where he trained to be a Cryptologic Naval Intelligence Operator. After later sustaining a traumatic brain injury and being medically separated from the Navy, Chris returned to his South Dakota roots to establish what is now the DTOM 22/0 Foundation and Veterans Ranch, a safe place for healing and recovery for military service members, veterans, and their families. To learn more about the DTOM 22/0 Foundation and Veterans Ranch, visit https://dtom220.org/.

Alan White

Waco, Texas

Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Alan first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he worked with a total of five military service dogs during his 11 years there. Feeling restless in his retirement, Alan continued to pursue his passion of working with canines and in 2018 he founded WhiteHaven Canine Evaluators, a nonprofit organization that currently serves 15–24 veterans annually by selecting and training dogs to be life-saving Emotional Support Animals. To learn more about WhiteHaven Canine, visit https://whitehavencanine.org/.

Shirley Dominick

Haymarket, Va.

Major, U.S. Air Force (RET.)

Shirley worked in communications for the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, leading critical initiatives at the Pentagon and across Europe. Upon retirement, she continued to help others by volunteering with her church which led to co-founding the organization Serve Our Willing Warriors and later opening the Warrior Retreat Center at Bull Run, providing a much-needed break for recovering service members at military hospitals. To learn more about Serve Our Willing Warriors and Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, visit https://www.willingwarriors.org/

DeAndria L. Hardy

Spartanburg, S.C.

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

DeAndria served as an Ammunition Tech and Squad Leader as part of Operation Western Accord in 2012. She was later honorably discharged and struggled to find the support she needed as a female veteran. DeAndria continued to fight to improve her circumstances and launched the BattleBetty Foundation in August 2018. BattleBetty is South Carolina’s first Women Veteran Resource Center providing emergency shelter, a clothes closet, and empowerment workshops to female veterans. To learn more about the BattleBetty Foundation, visit https://battlebettyfoundation.com.

Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta

Bethlehem, Pa.

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army (RET.)

Marilyn deployed to Iraq as a full-time U.S. Army medic, where she assisted in providing medical care to over 4,000 troops. She served for 13 years before untreated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) led to her medical retirement. She then became involved with Shamrock Reins, a specialized equine therapy center offering complimentary services to military veterans. Marilyn joined the board in 2015 and remains committed to the ongoing success of the organization and assisting fellow service members in their transition to civilian life. To learn more about Shamrock Reins, visit https://shamrockreins.org.

Mike Arena

Shalimar, Fla.

Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (RET.)

After numerous deployments around the world as an Operational Medic with the U.S. Air Force, Mike was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was medically retired after serving for more than 23 years and joined a program that paired service dogs with veterans. The restorative therapy Mike received from his own service dog, Orion, became the genesis for Healing Paws for Warriors (HP4Ws), a nonprofit organization Mike co-founded. Healing Paws for Warriors provides rescue to trained service dogs to combat veterans faced with PTSD, TBI and/or MST at no cost to the veteran. To learn more, visit https://www.healingpawsforwarriors.org.

The limited-edition American Hero bottling is adorned with red and white stripes and stars.  Displayed on the side of each bottle is one of the brand’s key taglines “American Owned, American Made, American Proud” celebrating Evan Williams’ legacy as Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. Each bottling prominently features one of the American-Made Heroes on the side of the label along with their story of service.

More than 400,000 bottles of the Evan Williams American Hero Edition are available nationwide, bottled at 86 proof for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75L.

To learn more about each of the 2022 American-Made Heroes and the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/.

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ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS

The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past seven years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND

Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans through a specialized grant program.

Photo and video assets can be downloaded here

Lauren Cherry Newcomb

Heaven Hill Distillery

lnewcomb@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill to build new American Whiskey distillery in Bardstown

Family-owned company marks a homecoming with a return to distilling in Bardstown

Nine decades since first operating a distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier is deepening its bourbon roots in its home community.

Heaven Hill Distillery today announced plans for a new, $135 million distillery to open by 2024. The state-of-the-art distillery will augment Heaven Hill’s distilling capacity to meet increased global whiskey demand and marks the company’s return to distilling in Bardstown since a 1996 fire when Heaven Hill lost its onsite distillery, seven rickhouses, and almost 100,000 barrels of whiskey. After the fire, Heaven Hill’s distilling moved to the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, while bottling, aging of whiskey and other functions continued in the Bardstown area where they remain today.

“The people of Bardstown have helped us create and build our brands over all these many years, so it’s a special homecoming to bring distilling back to this community,” said Max Shapira, President of Heaven Hill. “Our new distillery will honor our long-time Bardstown roots while applying state-of-the-art equipment and processes to produce the highest quality American Whiskey and build upon our meaningful partnership with Bardstown and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Heaven Hill will build the new distillery on a vacant 61-acre site at 1015 Old Bloomfield Pike, off KY 245. Construction is slated to begin this spring and the distillery will be operational by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 10 million proof gallons a year, or 150,000 barrels, and will have capacity to ramp up to producing 30 million proof gallons, or 450,000 barrels, over time. Heaven Hill will continue to age bourbon at existing locations and the Bernheim distillery in Louisville will continue to operate at full capacity.

“Bourbon making is an old art, but we are applying forward-thinking approaches to ensure we are environmentally conscious and a good neighbor,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller. “Heaven Hill’s tradition of distilling with attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship will now be even more accessible as we grow our distilling heritage in Bardstown.”

Heaven Hill and Bardstown: ‘a shared and storied history’

The five Shapira brothers and a group of Bardstown-area investors founded “Old Heavenhill Springs” distillery in 1935 and filled its first barrel—labeled Bourbon Falls—on December 13 of that year. Since that time, Heaven Hill has added several acclaimed brands, earned numerous industry accolades including “Whiskey of the Year” and “Distillery of the Year,” and attracted millions of bourbon tourists to its visitor experiences, along its way to filling more than 9.5 million barrels in its history.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved incentives to support the Heaven Hill distillery project at its April meeting.

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Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Named Global Icon of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year

Widow Jane Bourbon named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon

The Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky awards announced the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience as the Global Visitor Attraction of the Year. The award was announced in London on March 24 at the Whisky Magazine Awards 2022, celebrating the very best people and places in the industry. Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon also received World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon during the ceremony.

Previously announced as a 2022 American Icon of Whiskey Visitor Attraction of the Year, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience was voted amongst an esteemed panel of judges to best this year’s finalists. Unveiled on June 14, 2021 as the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, the expansion and renovation of Heaven Hill Distillery’s visitor center in Bardstown are the culmination of a multi-year $125 million investment in Kentucky’s signature industry and model for the future of tourism since 2018. The state-of-the-art experience received a $19 million upgrade to become an interactive, educational space offering signature exhibits unique to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. First opened on Oct. 15, 2004 as the Bourbon Heritage Center under the guidance of the late Harry Shapira, Heaven Hill’s presence as one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination.

“The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is a showcase example of the perseverance and commitment Heaven Hill has made to the future of this industry,” said Jeff Crowe, Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences, Heaven Hill Distillery and 2022 American Icon of Whiskey Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. “Our team navigated the last several years with determination and grace to eventually welcome back visitors from across the world to experience the best of Kentucky Bourbon and spectacular Commonwealth. We are honored to be recognized as a leader in tourism.”

As noted by Christopher Coates, editor of Whiskey Magazine, “The global whisky industry has taken the challenges of the past few years in its stride, and the strength of the entries we’ve received to our Icons awards for 2022 reflects this perfectly.”

Widow Jane 10-Year-Old was also recognized as the World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon, previously receiving Best Non-Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at the American World Whiskies Awards. Heaven Hill Brands acquired Samson & Surrey on Feb. 1, 2022, including its portfolio of brands and facilities like Widow Jane. The acquisition of Samson & Surrey further extends Heaven Hill’s portfolio with six high-growth, super-premium brands in several of the industry’s fastest growing categories.

Several Heaven Hill brands were also recognized during the American World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky presentation. Notable awards include Jeff Crowe named as Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year, Widow Jane 10-Year-Old winning Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon, Widow Jane Oak & Apple Wood Aged Rye winning Gold in the Rye category, and Henry McKenna winning Gold in the Bourbon category. More information, including silver and bronze medalists, can be found at www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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To download images relevant to this release, please visit here.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry Newcomb
Heaven Hill Distillery
lnewcomb@heavenhill.com